BMW's X5 comes in two different models for 2008-the 3.0si, and the 4.8i. The 3.0si is powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine making 260 horsepower; the 4.8i gets a 350-horsepower, 4.8L V8 engine. Both engines have sophisticated design features, including aluminum and magnesium construction and Valvetronic, which controls and varies valve lift to deliver full power when needed yet otherwise allows increased efficiency and smoothness. The transmission has three different modes-Drive, Sport, and Manual, which lets the driver command gearshifts when desired.
BMW's X5 comes in two different models for 2008-the 3.0si, and the 4.8i. The 3.0si is powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine making 260 horsepower; the 4.8i gets a 350-horsepower, 4.8L V8 engine. Both engines have sophisticated design features, including aluminum and magnesium construction and Valvetronic, which controls and varies valve lift to deliver full power when needed yet otherwise allows increased efficiency and smoothness. The transmission has three different modes-Drive, Sport, and Manual, which lets the driver command gearshifts when desired...
The X5 is built with a very stiff body structure and has a four-wheel independent suspension, including a double-wishbone setup in front and a multi-link arrangement in back; the setup is oriented toward a good ride and crisp handling on the road, yet it has the ruggedness for occasional light off-roading. The optional active steering system adjusts the effective ratio of the steering such that at low speed the steering wheel only needs to be turned twice to go from lock to lock, yet at high speeds the system has a long ratio for good stability. The system interfaces with AdaptiveDrive-part of the optional Sport Package-to coordinate the steering system's operation with active roll stabilization and electronic damping control.
All X5 models come with xDrive, a full-time all-wheel drive system that normally sends 60 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels but using a multi-disc clutch can steplessly vary torque to the front wheels, sending more as needed. XDrive interfaces with the stability control system to enhance handling safety.
The X5 comes with two rows of seating for a total of five adults, but a third row of seating is optional to seat seven. Third-row seating includes a self-leveling suspension feature, plus rear climate controls. Otherwise, dual-zone climate control is standard, while a four-zone climate control system is optional.
Interior materials used in the X5 are especially distinctive. The standard upholstery on the 3.0si is a leatherette, while the 4.8i gets Nevada leather. Dark Burl Walnut, Light Poplar Wood, and Dark Bamboo trims are available.
A new revised version of the standard dynamic stability control (DSC) now includes brake fade compensation, brake stand-by, and brake drying, to help increase overall brake safety in a wide range of conditions, plus the Start-off Assistant, which helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward when starting from a stop and facing uphill. Hill descent control, to help modulate speed while making steep descents off-road or on slippery surfaces, and a trailer stabilization program are also included.
Besides DSC, the X5 comes with a wide range of safety features including a rollover sensor that interfaces with the vehicle's air bag system. Front seat-mounted side air bags and a head-protection system for all outboard occupants are also standard. Both X5 models come with a run-flat tire system, with which the vehicle can be driven up to 90 miles at up 50 mph when the tire loses its inflation.
Climate control, navigation, and entertainment functions, among others, are accessed through the iDrive controller, which now has six programmable memory keys for frequently used functions.
Both the 3.0si and 4.8i models come very well equipped, yet they have expansive option lists that bring standout high-tech and luxury features, such as Active Ventilated Seats, heated rear seats, park distance control, a head-up display, and a rear-seat entertainment system. An available Sport Package includes Sport seats, special trim, a sport steering wheel, active roll stabilization, and electronic damping control.
Model Strengths
Good compromise between sport wagon and rugged SUV; spacious interior; available luxury and technology options.
Model Changes
After a complete redesign for 2007, the BMW X5 returns for 2008 with only a few feature changes. The dynamic stability control system now gets a number of additional safety-oriented features: brake drying, brake stand-by, brake fade compensation, and the start-off assistant. Also for 2008, the xDrive system's graphic display has been upgraded with new colors and typography and improved contrast, and the glove compartment is now larger. The standard sound system has been upgraded to one with 12 speakers, two subwoofers, and new speaker configurations.
Model Value
The 2008 X5, which is called a "sports activity vehicle" by BMW, combines some of the best attributes of a sport wagon and an SUV, offering better handling than most SUVs yet some measure of off-road ability and toughness. In the first and second rows, the X5 offers a good, quiet ride as well. As in BMW's sedans, there's also plenty of opportunity to upgrade the X5 with high-tech options.
The
BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by BMW since 2000. It features all wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.
The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches.
The takeover of Rover proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look and use Range Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5-one such example would be hill descent control. In many respects the X5 was also influenced designwise by its British counterpart in this case the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39 5 series parts bin to save costs.
In contrast to the Range Rover models, however, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car, and its off-road capabilities are significantly less than Land Rover products. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV instead of an SUV.When tested off road on the BBC television programme Top Gear, the test vehicle lost traction and was towed by a 1960s vintage Land Rover.
Even though the X5 was a four wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose from the start to route 60% of the engines torque to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the companys rear-wheel drive sedans. Many reviewers commented on its road and track feeling, and as time passed many other manufactures have caught onto this breed of SUV e.g. the Porsche Cayenne, and the Range Rover Sport which offers both sports car performance with full off-road capabilities.
The X5, along with the BMW Z4 roadster, are currently manufactured exclusively in BMWs South Carolina plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
A one-off version known as the
X5 LM, equipped with the M70 S70B56 V12 engine from the Le Mans win
The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by BMW since 2000. It features all wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine. The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches. The ...
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